We generally celebrate our National Day, December 13th, like any other holiday, by going to the beach, sleeping in, having family gatherings or taking an island tour. With the Corona pandemic now taking its toll on the island it is most likely that this year's celebration will be low-keyed. In previous years it was customary to place lanterns above the entrance of homes and to welcome Saint Lucy’s Day with festival of lights and J’ouvert parade. Not this year!
Every year on December 13th, the island - and we
at Rayneau Group of Companies- celebrate the origins of its name on
the feast day of St. Lucy known in Latin as Sancta Lucia.
Originally named Iyanola (Land of
Iguanas) by the peaceful Amerindians who arrived between 200 and 400AD, the
island was taken over around 800AD by the less peaceful Caribs who
translated it to their own version Hewanorra.
Given its third name by the French in the
seventeenth century, modern day Saint Lucia continues to celebrate the
Feast of St. Lucy of Syracuse who lived from AD 283 – 304. The monks who first
brought Christianity to Sweden told the story of a young Christian girl who was
martyred for her faith, and Scandinavian countries still widely celebrate
St. Lucy's Day.
Similarly to Independence Day, the root of National Day lies in building pride for the country as most St. Lucians wear the national costume or dress in the colours of the flag to commemorate patriotism.
It is also worth noting that National Day also signifies the beginning of our Christmas season and new
beginnings in the days to come.
The Rayneau Group of Companies wishes Saint Lucia a wonderful and celebratory National Day 2020! Please follow the protocols established by the Ministry of Health. #StaySafe
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